Different Players
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Contact us If you are looking to start an import/export business one of the first things you must understand are the different kinds players. Understanding what each of these different players do is essential to running a successful import/export business. Sure, there are importers and exporters but there are many variations on the main theme. Today we will focus on three different players – an export management company (EMC), export trading company (ETC), and import/export merchants. EMC: These guys handle export operations for any domestic company that wants to sell its product overseas but is unsure how to do so. An EMC can do everything from hiring dealers, invoicing your customers, communicating with distributors and representatives, handling advertising and marketing promotions, overseeing marking and packaging, arranging shipping, and much more. These guys basically do it all. EMCs typically specialize by product, foreign market, or both. ETC: While EMCs are taking care of all of the merchandising to sell and focusing on seeking out buyers, an ETC is a bit different. They attack the other side of the trading coin. ETCs usually specialize in identifying what foreign buyers want to spend their money on and then they hunt down domestic sources willing to export. ETCs will often times take title to the good and sometimes they work on a commission basis. Import/Export Merchant: This is somewhat of a generic title that basically identifies a person who is an international entrepreneur that has no specific client base and does not specialize in any one industry or line of products. Instead this person purchases goods directly from a domestic or foreign manufacturer and then packs, ships, and resells the goods. Unlike an EMC, an import/export merchant assumes all risks as well as profits. Understand how each of these players differ and you will be in much better position to make those big business decisions going forward. For more information on the import/export industry, stay tuned on our blog.
